Most people seem to like porridge, apart from me, something I can take or leave.
It is widely considered to be the ultimate comfort food. Have they not heard of chips or chocolate? The most basic of foods people everywhere all over the world seem to love.

The origins of Porridge go back about 12,000 years, when people prepared it with crushed grains. Some say it may have been a predecessor to bread, and ancient people are thought to have thickened it and made it into a flat version of bread.

The Scots started using it and began incorporating it into their culture sometime around 600 AD. Traditional Scot's porridge is made from oat flakes boiled with water or milk, with some salt and a bit of butter added.  However, the word Porridge wasn't introduced until around the 17th century. 

The history of Porridge:

 2500 BC

Rice porridge is documented in China 

It’s no surprise that the porridge made in China thousands of years ago would be made from rice.

 600 AD

Oats are introduced in Scotland 

The critical grain for what will become iconic Scottish porridge, oats become an important crop.

 17th Century

The word “porridge” begins use 

The origin of the word “porridge” is unclear, but it may be related to “pottage”, which is a variation of the French word “potage” meaning soup or stew.

 2017

The Great British Porridge Company is founded

So you can see it has quite a history and many benefits as well:

• Beta-glucan fiber. Oats contain this type of fibre that studies have shown helps to lower cholesterol. In addition, this fibre may also be able to lower the levels of blood glucose and manage insulin.

• Prebiotic fibres. Supporting gut health, these fibres promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria while preventing the growth of unhealthy, pathogenic varieties of gut bacteria.

• Antioxidants. Oats are a good source of polyphenols, a protective compound that can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.

• Weight Management. Porridge can help promote a sense of fullness, which reduces appetite. The fibre can trigger the release of the hormones that tell the brain the stomach is full, which can lower the desire to eat.

Porridge on its own is quite bland, but to add interest, try adding some berries, a bit of milk or a dollop of cream. Try out raisins and cinnamon, chia seeds, sliced almonds, or chopped dates. Walnuts, pears and ginger make a tasty combination, or add some low fat Greek yogurt and pile on some blueberries and sunflower seeds. I could almost be tempted to try some!

So, today, tell us what you think of porridge. It’s the look of it that I don't like, although I ate it as a kid, when it was soaked overnight.
Let us know what you have on yours.

Post all things porridge-related, and let's enjoy this popular breakfast dish.